Small Business Program

MSC Office of Small Business Programs

Small companies offer maritime solutions for MSC and our global fleet. Each year MSC awards approximately $600 million in contracts to companies that are registered as small businesses by the U.S. Government's Small Business Administration.

We look to the private sector to charter and operate ships; procure logistics support; recruit, process and retain more than 5,000 civil service mariners; and provide overhaul and repair services for more than 120 government-owned and operated ships.

Our Policy

It is MSC’s policy to provide maximum practicable opportunities in its acquisitions to small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, small disadvantaged business, and woman-owned small business concerns. Such concerns must also have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate as sub-contractors in the contracts awarded by any executive agency, consistent with efficient contract performance.

It is also MSC’s policy to place a fair proportion of its acquisitions with small and small disadvantaged business

Function

MSC’s Office of Small Business Programs is a small business advocacy and advisory office responsible for insuring that small business, small disadvantaged business, historically underutilized business (HUBZone), veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business and women-owned small business concerns, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions (HBCU/MIs), participate in MSC's acquisition program both as prime contractors and as subcontractors. The office is also responsible for facilitating achievement of MSC’s Small Business targets.

The office maintains an active outreach program to identify potential Small Business Program participants by attending and participating in government-industry conferences throughout the United States. In addition, the office provides individual and group procurement advisory counseling to the small business community. Procurement advisory counseling includes advice concerning acquisition procedures, information regarding proposed Acquisition, instructions on preparing proposals, interpretation of standard clauses, certifications and representations, obtaining payment, and obtaining financial assistance within the procurement regulations.

A major role in the implementation of the Small Business Program at MSC involves advising and assisting contracting officials and program managers in acquisition planning and reviewing all acquisition for possible Small Business Program set-asides, subcontracting opportunities and subcontracting administration. The office provides assistance to MSC's contracting officials regarding the determination of the acceptability of prime contractor subcontracting arrangements.

Office of Small Business Programs
Military Sealift Command
471 East C Street
Building SP-64
Norfolk, VA. 23511-2419

Register your business

Identify your target market within MSC

Identify current MSC procurement opportunities

Identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking the Federal Business Opportunities web site or the MSC Procurement website, which can assist you in identifying opportunities at MSC, as well as other Federal procurement opportunities.

Familiarize yourself with DoD contracting procedures

Investigate GSA Schedule Program Contracts

Many DoD purchases are, in fact, orders on GSA Schedule contracts. Contact the General Services Administration for information on how to obtain a GSA Schedule contract.

Seek additional assistance as needed

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers are located in most states and are partially DOD-funded to provide small business concerns with information on how to do business with the Department of Defense. They provide training and counseling on marketing, financial, and contracting issues at minimal or no cost.

Small Business Specialists are located at each Navy buying activity and can provide assistance on how to market to the DoD.

The DoD Office of Small Business Programs website provides links to the homepages of every DoD activities Small Business Programs Office.
This information can be invaluable in researching the DoD marketplace and identifying your target market.

Explore sub-contracting opportunities

The SBA's Subcontracting Network (SUB-Net) is another valuable resource for obtaining information on subcontracting opportunities. Solicitations or notices are posted by prime contractors as well as other government, commercial, and educational entities.

Investigate Navy and DoD small business programs

There are several programs that may be of interest to you, such as the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Program. Information on these and other programs are available on the Navy and DOD Office of Small Business Programs websites.

Market your firm well

After you have identified your customers, researched their requirements, and familiarized yourself with DoD procurement regulations and strategies, it is time to market your product or service. Present your capabilities directly to the activities that buy your products or services. Realize that, like you, their time is valuable and if the match is a good one, you can provide them with a cost-effective, quality solution to their requirements.